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Internship Opportunities at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Thank you for your interest in interning with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. The Desert Museum is a zoo, botanic garden, natural history museum and art gallery that offers unpaid internships throughout the year. Below, you will find a list of available internships; please select the internship posting to view more details. These can be done for credit in coordination with your college or university.
If an internship aligns with your interests, availability and academic goals, please fill out and submit an internship application, as well as submitting a cover letter and resumé to the Volunteer Coordinator either by uploading with your application, by email [email protected] or by mail (2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson AZ, 85743). If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to call 520-883-3082.
If you don’t see an opportunity that interests you on the internship page, please review our regular volunteer opportunities. Some volunteer positions can be modified to fit the requirements of an internship. Please indicate the volunteer job that most interests you on your internship application.
Current Internships
- Internship Description:
- The Summer Camp Intern supports the Desert Museum Education staff in delivering exceptional Desert Museum Camps. The goal of Desert Museum Camps is to foster a sense of belonging through sparking interest in science and the outdoors, creating fun and tangible learning opportunities, and building community and self-awareness. This is achieved through nature explorations, hands-on activities and experiments, interactive games, crafts, reflection activities, and encouraging personal growth and mindfulness.
- Internship Schedule:
- Interns will work with campers in grades 1–6. Camp schedules vary by program and may begin as early as 8:00 a.m. and end as late as 5:00 p.m. each day. Summer Camp weeks are as follows:
- Camp Staff training: May 21-22 & May 28-29
- Session 1: June 1-5
- Session 2: June 8 – 12
- Session 3: June 22-25
- Session 4: July 6 – 10
- Session 5: July 13 – 17
- Internship Duties (including but not limited to):
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- Ensuring camper safety and well-being
- Assisting with the preparation and organization of camp materials
- Supporting camp activities such as crafts, games, and museum exploration
- Aiding in behavior management and positive group dynamics
- Interacting with campers in and outside the classroom
- Cultivating a welcoming, inclusive space for all
- Helping with setup, cleanup, and daily camp operations
- Requirements:
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- Interest in education, environmental science, conservation biology, or related fields
- Experience working with youth in camps, classrooms, or outdoor settings
- Enthusiasm for nature, science, and hands-on learning
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to remain flexible and positive in a dynamic environment
- Comfortable spending periods outdoors in the Tucson summer heat
- Physical requirements include standing, walking, sitting, bending, and lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Applicants must be able to pass a Multi-Jurisdictional Background Check
- Benefits:
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- Gain experience teaching conservation and nature science to youth
- Build skills in lesson facilitation, play-based learning, and age-appropriate science communication.
- Work within AZA standards for education, safety, and animal welfare—excellent for future careers in zoos, museums, or environmental education.
- Develop leadership, public speaking, and group management abilities in a dynamic camp setting
- Contribute to mission-driven conservation education and help inspire young children to connect with nature.
- Collaborate with professional educators
